Growing Conditions

A very cool winter with just over half of our yearly rainfall transitioned to a cool spring that caused a later than normal bud break. May through July was temperate with below average daytime highs. August and September temperatures were 20% higher than normal with two record heat spells in mid August and early September. Our coastal moisture pushed the smoke from Napa and Big Sur fi res high in the sky. The orange tinted marine layer shielded the grapes from the summer sun and smoke in a surprising boost to late summer ripening conditions. Harvest started September 9th and was wrapped by October 15th. 2020 was solid vintage overall on the West side of Paso Robles. Fruit quality was high with welcomed lower than normal acids.

Winemaking

Native yeast fermentation in a selection of concrete and stainless steel with a variety of pump overs and punch downs for desired extraction for 20 to 36 days. Basket pressed into a selection of French 500 liter puncheons (18% new). Aged for 18 months in barrel and 12 months in bottle prior to release.